Kris Joseph has NBA talent, but is the drive there?
Kris Joseph was supposed to attend a pre-draft combine co-sponsored by the New Jersey Nets and Houston Rockets this weekend. It is an event for fringe prospects to showcase their talents in front of NBA scouts. It was just what KJ needed to improve his draft stock.
Opinions of The Quebecios Kid’s draft prospects vary widely among fans and pundits, but the word among NBA scouts is largely consistent. KJ has the talent to work his way into the NBA. His physical tools, while needing improvement, are enough to get him in the door. The concerns are focused on his drive, his passion for the game. KJ is seen as a guy who plays without fire, despite his explosive athletic ability and skill. His decision to withdraw from an event that could greatly improve his standing in the eyes of those who would determine his NBA future only reinforces this opinion.Perhaps the NBA just isn’t for KJ. The NBA draft pool is chock full of very good college players who are trying to find a niche on an NBA team. It takes a little something extra to separate himself from the pack, something that it appears he doesn’t have. He seems to be content to go wherever his basketball skills will take him instead of trying to see where they could take him.
I’m not one to say that a guy has to go for the NBA. Syracuse legend Roosevelt Bouie was drafted in the second round in 1980 and instead opted to play overseas. Perhaps KJ recognizes that, if he makes the NBA at all, he’s in all likelihood destined to be a journeyman role player. Perhaps he figures, if he’s going to bounce from team to team, he might as well see some of the world while he’s doing it. Perhaps he’s not hugely keen on playing professional ball at all. KJ just graduated with a degree in Child and Family Studies, a pursuit he seems to genuinely enjoy. There could be any number of reasons why KJ appears to lack the passion needed to go from underachieving college player to NBA draft pick. The bottom line is, though, that without that passion he simply won’t make it.
I’m not one to begrudge a player for taking advantage of a free ride as a platform to move onto pursuits outside of sports. Despite never quite living up to expectations as a player, KJ has been a fabulous ambassador for Syracuse basketball and I wish him well in whatever he does from here on out. But if he wants to play in the NBA at all, the time is now. Opportunity is knocking, even if it’s not breaking down the door. KJ just needs to answer.
Bleeding Orange 
Well that seals it.
I think Joseph is actually fine with being an ordinary citizen, and passing on a real opportunity to better himself cements that desire. It’s nothing against him, of course. He was a great member of the Syracuse community and basketball team during is time. Looking at two other highly-regarded former SU players who want it more, too (Flynn, Wes), and their own respective problems with finding success, I can’t blame him for looking at a different path.